Kerevi key role for Reds
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Reds outside centre Samu Kerevi has been a stand-out performer in a struggling Queensland team, and expects to play a role in assisting the inside backs.
The Fijian-born flyer had an outstanding game against the Bulls last weekend, and in a team that lacks direction and faith in their coach, Kerevi sees his role in the midfield as key to the Reds finding some form.
"I want to help my flyhalves and inside centres, we've had a lot of injuries in those key positions," Kerevi said in a Johannesburg press conference ahead of their upcoming Cheetahs clash this weekend.
"Being an outside back, having more communication to the guys on the inside will help them a lot."
Kerevi has been tremendous with ball in hand all season, as he has busted tackles, made line breaks and dished off-loads with relative ease.
The elusive centre has a tally of 17 defenders beaten this season, ranked 16th in the Super Rugby overall in that department.
"I want to make my carries and get to that gain line" he added.
Defensively Kerevi is no slouch either and he illustrated that by missing no tackles against the Bulls last weekend. He looks to beef up the Reds midfield alongside centre partner Anthony Fainga'a.
"Defensively I want to make my tackles as a centre, and in the midfield that is important."
Kerevi admits it has been disappointing having the results go the way they have for the Reds, but the team has not lost faith as they continue to train hard every week and maintain their desire for victories.
"Its definitely disappointing how the results have gone, the effort is there from the team, everyone sees it every week through training, and before every game I can see how hungry the boys are to win"
With Quade Cooper's continuing injury struggles, the Reds have been left with a whole in the pivot position. Reds coach Richard Graham has opted for a make-shift flyhalf in natural scrumhalf Nick Frisby, as he takes the reins as the dictator of the backline.
Kerevi has praised the work of Frisby and notes how Genia and Faingaa have been assisting the flyhalf in his new role for the Reds.
"Frisby has been playing well, he's been put in a tough spot usually playing scrumhalf, but now he is trying to direct the team more often.
"Willie [Genia] is helping him from scrumhalf and Anthony [Fainga'a] from inside centre, everyone is trying to give him a lot of chat from inside and out, but I think he's doing a great role for the team." Kerevi added.
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